AFTER THE TREATMENT DECISION:

UNDERSTANDING THE ACCESS AND REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS FOR SPECIALTY RHEUMATOLOGY AND NEPHROLOGY MEDICATIONS

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This program is designed to provide physicians with an overview and foundational knowledge of the access and reimbursement process. It broadly covers the steps that occur after the clinical decision and before the patient gets the drug, from a physician’s perspective. This presentation discusses subjects such as benefits investigations, prior authorizations, patient financial assistance options, and appropriate documentation in RA, GPA and MPA. This presentation strives to help new clinicians understand this increasingly important aspect of patient care.

Content developed in conjunction with Michael Schweitz, MD.

Faculty

ELLEN FIELD, MD, FACR

Rheumatologist in Private PracticeClinical Assistant Adjunct Professor of Medicine
Temple University School of MedicineFellow
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

Dr Field has been an established and respected figure in the field of rheumatology for more than 30 years. She is currently a member of the rheumatology departments at Lehigh Valley Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and Sacred Heart Hospital. Dr Field also serves as a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a clinical adjunct professor of medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. Her contributions to the field include membership in a range of scholarly societies, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and a variety of academic appointments and educational activities.

Dr Field completed her internship and residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and subsequently completed postdoctoral research in rheumatology and a research and clinical fellowship in rheumatology and immunology at Harvard University. She also completed a clinical fellowship in rheumatology and clinical immunology at Hahnemann University.

Dr Schweitz is a nationally recognized expert and key influencer in the field of rheumatology and policy. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, as well as a founding fellow and master of the American College of Rheumatology. As cofounder and immediate past president of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO), Dr Schweitz was a national advocate for excellence in rheumatology and policy, serving as an active ambassador in Washington, DC, to secure access to the highest level of care for rheumatic disease.

Dr Schweitz completed his undergraduate, medical school program, and internal medicine training at George Washington University and completed his rheumatology fellowship at Georgetown University in 1977. Dr Schweitz has participated in over 100 clinical trials as a principal or subinvestigator. He is an accomplished lecturer in rheumatology and a well-recognized voice in healthcare policy and access issues.

Dr Tesser is a practicing rheumatologist at Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, a clinical lecturer in internal medicine at University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, an adjunct assistant professor in the Division of Clinical Education at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, and an adjunct clinical associate professor at Midwestern University College of Health Sciences. He has acted as a peer reviewer for Arthritis and Rheumatism since 1999.

Dr Tesser is a member of several scholarly societies including the American College of Rheumatology and American College of Physicians. He graduated cum laude from Yale University and received his medical doctorate from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr Tesser completed his internship and residency at Maricopa County General Hospital. He has given more than 70 clinical presentations, published more than 2 dozen scholarly papers, and has more than 30 years of clinical research experience.

SUNEEL M. UDANI, MD, MPH, FASN

Consulting Physician
Nephrology Associates of Northern IllinoisAssociate Member
Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine,
University of Chicago

Dr Udani is a recognized leader in the nephrology community. He has a long-standing dedication to education, for which he has won multiple awards. He sees patients in private practice and remains active as an educator at University of Chicago.

Throughout his career, he has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals and remains active in clinical research.

He completed his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at Northwestern University Feinberg. He received his postgraduate training in internal medicine and nephrology at University of Chicago Medical Center. Dr Udani is a fellow of the American Society of Nephrology.